Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Wind whistle at highway speed - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Sue Gamber - February 18 - 2:34 pm

  Would love this car, if not for the fact that it whistles when going over 55. An internet search has shown me that this is an ongoing problem with this model Wish I had seen that first. Have had it to the service department over 7 times, and they cannot fix it. Ford tells me I am out of luck. Do yourself a favor, try a different vehicle.

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  V6 Premium w/Pony Package Review - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By eddyrock21 - February 18 - 1:10 am

  Purchased a V6 Premium Mustang w/Pony Package and the 5spd auto with 84k to replace the wifes Pontiac G5 GT that gave us nothing but problems. The car is in great condition for the year and the miles on the vehicle. The car is mechanically sound and in great physical condition. The Mustang has already done its duty by keeping the wife safe when she hit a patch of black ice. The car sustained basically no body damage, just some rear suspension damage. Definitely satisfied with the purchase at this point having put 3,000 miles in the 4 months of ownership. The gas mileage is acceptable for the type of vehicle as we are averaging around 19 city and 24 hwy.

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  higher trim levels are most compelling - 2014 Ford Escape
  By petalmasher - February 17 - 9:19 pm

  A little more expensive than others in the class but with great handling and the powerful 2.0 liter engine its a great car to drive, and the material quality of the dash and door panels is nice enough not to look out of place when you upgrade to leather seats. The infotainment system requires that you take an hour or two to sit down and learn how to use it if you are going to get the most out of it. The suspension smooths vibrations and small bumps out well, but a good sized pot hole can be pretty jarring if you drive through it. I have never gotten gas millage as high as the highway estimates, but also never quit as low as the city estimates. in combined driving I get around 25 mpg.

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  Very disappointed. - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By mercede - February 17 - 10:30 am

  Ive recently bought my first car, "Ford Taurus 05" my father had the same car for 5 years and it was such a reliable car we traveled a lot with it with over 40000 km on it never left us on the road. so I thought Id buy the same one so I did less then 4 months of owning this car its been nothing but hell. left me on the highway had to buy a new manifold for it witch cost me $1000 Canadian, I took it to the mechanic and they told me the car was fired hazard. I got that fixed but month after my car wont turn on nothing but a waste of money this car has been for me as a student and a full time this is not a car to save for. only thing is good on it is the BODY!

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  2006 5.4L xlt 4x4 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By canrinusace - February 13 - 12:48 pm

  I love this truck, ive had it for a year and half. Was a little gutless when I first purchased it, but after switching out my Battery, changing to full synthetic 5w30, with top a top end oil filter, and air filter I was able to bring out that awesome triton power. Towed 10k lbs on a ball from Calgary to medicine hat (mostly flat with a few long grades 3-6%) and I hardly could tell I had so much weight back there. This truck has seen mudding in the mounts, towing across country, hell I drove it threw a river, got a squeaky belt and kept right on going lol. In town she looks good, when its time to work shes ready to go. There are issues with these trucks, however I havent got any yet!

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  Awesome small SUV! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By mmckimmey - February 11 - 2:21 pm

  Our 2008 Escape V6 AWD is awesome! It does very well in all weather conditions. The V6 is powerful, sounds good, and gets decent MPG. If you want a 4 cylinder, get a 2009. The 2.3L 4 and 4-spd in the 2008 is woeful! Overall, build quality is excellent. A few rattles here and there, but none are pervasive or persistent. Seats are great, and the ride is super smooth! Wonderful for a long trip. The electric power steering provides good feel at high speeds, and lots of assist at parking lot speeds for easy parking. Ride height is great! Just make sure to service the transmission OFTEN and keep an eye on the levels. These have a tendency to blow cooler lines.

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  ford fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mrmaaggoo - February 11 - 1:00 pm

  This 2010 ford fusion is an absolutely beautiful car. Most people dont know where the transmission problems come from. There is a plug on the bottom of the transmission if you change it like the owners manual says [engine oil every 5,000 km trans every 30,000 km is what I do ]Dont be mad at the car or the builder cause you bought a car that someone didnt do the proper maintenance on. This car for the price and for what you get is a awesome car. If your looking at buying a used one I recommend you change the trans oil when you get it and again 10,000 km after then 30,000 km there after. when you drain it only 5L comes out not the 11L it holds the reason for doing it 2 times so fast

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  2013 Focus SE - 2013 Ford Focus
  By sts_pa - February 10 - 11:56 am

  I bought this 2013 Focus SE hatch new 2 years ago and have experienced zero issues with it. Chassis is sublime and engine provides adequate power while returning >30 mpg and easily over 40 on the highway. Interior has too much hard plastic, but thats expected at this price. I love the cloth seats and the hatch holds tons of stuff. The powershift automatic has unpleasant characteristics at low speeds (chattering, lurching), but works great when pressed. Ford seems to deliver the best driving compact in the segment at this price IMHO. Hoping the reliability stays good going forward.

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  Dont Drive At Night!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By carefulswede - February 3 - 5:01 pm

  I traded a Honda Pilot (2005) for the Explorer, and initially loved it! It rides well, handles well and is great on snow. Recurring problems with the parking brake freezing up and burning up pads is still an issue but the bigger gripe is lousy headlights. Unlike traditional headlights low beams that direct most of their light toward the right side of the road, these drop a mask that cuts off all light above a certain height, continuing to spread lower angle light across the front L to R. Cresting a hill you blind the oncoming drivers. Going into a dip, your forward view shortens radically. Road signs are often unreadable unless you use high beams. Terrible design!

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  great all around (157,000 miles lifted 5 inches on 33 inch tires) - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ross44 - February 2 - 1:07 am

  Love my ranger Ive had it a little over 2 years 4x4 lifted awesome little thing great off roading truck not as much power as f-150 but gets the job done mines pushing just under 200 horse great daily driver also get lots of head turns 2000 ford ranger Dark green ext cab step side 6 1/2 foot bed